Jack Benny Biography

Fast Facts

• Honored with a stamp from the United States Postal Service when the rate was increased to 39 cents in 2006 after insistence from fans
• Inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame as well as the National Radio Hall of Fame
• Began practicing the violin at age six, an instrument which would become his signature trademark in later years and began playing in public at the age of 17 in local vaudeville theaters for $7․50
• Quote: "Age is strictly a case of mind over matter․ If you don't mind, it doesn't matter․"
• Quote: "Gags die, humor does not․"
• It wasn't until 1929 that he garnered his first film contract with MGM which lead to his first role, but after several bombs he eventually transitioned to radio at the insistence of Ed Sullivan
• Began his vaudeville career as a musical duo with Cora Salisbury which would later grow to add comedic elements to the group before he left the stage in 1917 to serve in World War I
• His will arranged for a single stemmed rose to be delivered to his widow, Mary Livingstone, every day for the remainder of her life, a ritual that would take place for over nine years
• Continued a sarcastic professional feud with rival Fred Allen for many years after Allen stated that a child violinist gave a performance comparable to Benny
• Eulogized by lifelong friends George Burns and Bob Hope